The American Dietetic Association says:

The discomfort of heartburn, or indigestion, occurs when digestive juices and food from your stomach back up into your esophagus. Your stomach lining protects against acids that form during digestion. But the lining of your esophagus is sensitive to the burning sensation of stomach acids.

Foods themselves don't cause heartburn, but they may aggravate the condition by stimulating acid production. Those foods high in acids, such as citrus fruit, as well as fatty or highly-seasoned foods, may also cause problems for some people. Heartburn isn't dangerous -- just uncomfortable. And it can be treated with antacids. Consult your doctor about the best type for you.

The danger can come if you ignore a heart attack, thinking it's simply heartburn. If the pain continues or if it happens an hour or more after eating, call your doctor immediately!

This last paragraph is very serious.  If you are suffering from heartburn, keep a careful watch for some of the other signs of a hear attack.  Someone that I worked with thought he was having heartburn, but ended up having triple bypass surgery because he was having a heart attack.  Contact your primary care giver when you are experiencing signs and symptoms of heartburn.  Do not take this discomfort lightly.  If it is indeed heartburn, you may be instructed to take an antacid and watch certain foods that you eat (such as those listed above).  You may also want to make sure that after eating, you sit in an upright position for at least 30 minutes.  This will help gravity take food to where it is supposed to go...which is down...and not up. 

Please feel free to write to me if you have any specific questions regarding heartburn. 

As always, eat healthy, live healthy, be healthy!